NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS FUCHSIA SOCIETY

After tea and coffee, they held an auction, pots and unwanted bonsai plants were auctioned off, proceeds going to the society. 

*** Funnily enough, just received the BFS Fuchsia News 2017 which includes a similar idea which was held at Reading Fuchsia Society.  See following article – could this be something we could hold?: -

Holding a Mini-Show

For instance, I know that a number of societies hold ‘mini shows’ as a sort of rehearsal ahead of their annual shows, and I went off to Reading last week to remind myself of how they run theirs, having enjoyed a number of mini-show evenings with the Reading and District society in the past.  Ironically because of business I missed out on another mini-show at Sutton Coldfield, where I am enjoying membership and friendship while working in the Midlands, which I was looking forward to.

My original intention was to put the idea to Camborne-Redruth, where I think it could be a boost to our members, new and experienced alike, and might help us fill our annual programme of meetings with an annual fixture if it works.   In the case of Reading, they have three classes, which are any fuchsia in a 3½” (9cm) pot, in a 5” (13cm) pot and in a 6” (15cm) pot.  All members are encouraged to enter one plant in each of the three classes, and on the night, there was a respectable 8 entries in each class from attendance on the evening of 23 members and 1 hanger-on (me!).  Each class took up two 6’ x 2½’ tables, leaving lots of rooms for people to circulate and view the exhibits.

Each person at the meeting is provided with a judging slip, like this one, which they fill in whilst taking a good look at the exhibits and comparing thoughts with friends:

For many members, it is their chance to put themselves in the shoes of a judge, and it is always interesting to see the spread of places and winners, and how different people take different approaches (e.g. favourite plants, degree of difficulty, etc).

Once all members have done their judging, instead of handing the slips in the evening remains participative with a compere (DJ Jenny!) asking for a show of hands to votes for plant 1 as 1^st in the 3½” class, then votes for 2^nd, then 3^rd.  The compere then asks for number of  1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd votes for plant 2, then plant 3, and on to the end of the plants in the class.  The same routine is followed for the other two classes.

While the votes by hand are counted the totals are marked up for all to see on a flip chart, with 5 points for each 1^st, 3 for each 2^nd and 1 for each third.  The chart is laid out like this with a sheet for each class:

While the points are totalled up it is traditional in Reading to have a guest speaker talk through each class and the plants in it, giving some background on the plants and some thought on their merit as an exhibit.  On this occasion I was privileged to be the guest speaker and it was fun to do the waffling as amongst the 24 exhibits there were 21 different varieties of fuchsia, and there were single, doubles, variegated varieties and some triphyllas.

The final voting of the evening is for the best in the mini show.  Once the winners of the three classes are known, the plants are moved to the end of the table nearest the audience and each person has one vote for what they think is the best plant amongst the three class winners.

I think a mini-show is a great way to spend an evening and for everyone to be involved and to get a taste of how interesting and challenging it can be to judge fuchsias.  I must thank Paul, Jenny, Charles and the Reading Society for allowing me to take a few notes and photographs, and to share their evening with you. Article by Ric Reilly in the BFS Fuchsia News July 2017 

What is happening in the Garden: 

• Fruit & Vegetables

Runner Beans - I have started picking my runner beans.  I was surprised to find the beans on some plants that had only grown a foot or two high – perhaps they were dwarf plants!

Flowering Sprouts - I still have some flowering sprouts which have not been eaten by snails, so will be trying them out very soon.

Tomatoes - Last week I finally got round to potting my 13 plants into bigger containers.  The move was long overdue, they are looking happier now having added more nutritious compost and having given them a good feed. A few flowers, but no tomatoes as yet.

Potatoes – I need to check the yield of our 1^st early potatoes. Bob noticed that we had some fruit on our potatoes.  After researching this on the internet, this isn’t something to worry about, it doesn’t affect the potatoes in any way, but it’s not advisable to eat this green tomato lookalike.

Sweet Peppers– I have potted up my plants and given one away to the neighbours (our Turkish friends), but no sign of any peppers.

Peas – These seem to be very slow in producing pods, so not expecting much of a crop this year.

Apples – I have plenty of apples growing, but the tree itself is very much diseased, leaves are curling and dying.  I may try putting a grease band round the trunk this October.  I will give it one more year, hopefully I will then see an improvement in the condition of the tree. 

• Perennials/Garden Shrubs etc

I am pleased that the Japanese Anemones I moved last month have taken and have buds on.  I am very surprised as I thought they didn’t like being moved.  I tied back my montebretia, so that I could walk along the path to the bottom of the garden. I have also put stakes up and tied my everlasting sweet peas up.  I cut back my hazel tree, quite severely and I am pleased that it has already started to shoot.  I have also managed to get to my cotoneaster near the pond and hacked that to pieces.  For a while I thought I had been too harsh, but thankfully I am seeing new shoots. I am seriously thinking about chopping down my ivy that is covering the wooden arch that leads onto my lawn.  It has got very overgrown and is very unruly.  The blackbirds won’t be very happy, but I’m sure I can find an alternative climber. 

• Fuchsia Growing

                            Ian Strawson – Sarcoma UK 

I found Ian’s talk last month very interesting and I learnt a lot about Sarcoma. I must applaud him for all his hard work promoting Sarcoma and involving himself in so much charity work.  At our last committee meeting, it was agreed that we would like to raise awareness of Sarcoma, so expect a stand with useful information/flyers for the public to read. 

Sarcoma UK is a new fuchsia that has been released in 2017, launched at Chelsea  It is a cross between ‘Water Nymph’ and ‘Crosby Soroptimist’. The reason for releasing this fuchsia is to raise public and medical awareness of this type of cancer.  In March/April 2015 Ian found a small lump at the back of his left thigh, which then started to ache and grow, so he went to his GP who thought it was a cyst that would disperse in due course.  Luckily for him, he was sent for an ultrascan, followed by a CT scan, then a referral was made for him to go to the Linda McCartney Clinic at the Royal Hospital, Liverpool.  No time was wasted, tests followed and as a result he was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma and subsequently an operation followed 9 days later.  If the sarcoma had not been diagnosed so quickly, it would have resulted in Ian losing his left leg. Ian is now spending his time raising awareness of this type of cancer. Ian has made a very good recovery and is clear at the moment.

                                               ANNUAL SHOW 

Well… not long to go now before our Annual Show. The clock is ticking… I hope everyone is busy tending to their fuchsias and will be able to enter at least one class.  I hope we’ll see an increase not only in the number of entries but also the number of exhibitors again this year! 

Malcolm Beerman will be speaking to us this month and will hopefully be able to share his wealth of knowledge with us and give us some last minute tips. 

I thought it worthwhile including past articles which hopefully may give our new members, especially, more of an insight into what to expect on Show Day (I have perhaps altered a few details, to align it with this year’s show, i.e. dates etc, so as to avoid confusion): - 

                                      SHOWTIME SPECIAL!!!! 

By now you should all have an idea which plants you will be showing come 12^th August, so just a few reminders: - 

• Refer to the Schedule (read the small print!).***Make sure you know staging time: Friday 11^h August, 6pm – 7pm AND Saturday 12^th August, 7.15am – 10.15am.
• Judging – will commence at 10.30am prompt Saturday 12^th August.
• Entries – Entries must be made on the official entry form. Hand completed form to Show Secretary. All entries must be received by 10.15am on the Saturday of the show.
• Exhibitor Cards – collect exhibitor cards and variety cards from Show secretary and place face down by each exhibit.
• Quantity – No limit to the number of entries in each class unless otherwise specified. 

If you haven’t shown before, don’t worry, give it a try, the stewards are there to help you. ENJOY!!!!!! 

***Judges & Exhibitors Handbook – whilst we include the main BFS rules & guidelines in our schedule, you may want to know the full set of BFS rules and these can be found in the Judges  & Exhibitors handbook. It includes all you need to know about exhibiting fuchsias to BFS standard.  

If anyone would like to purchase a book, can they let Derek know please. 

                                            EXHIBITING

Fuchsias are essentially plants of the people, the majority of gardeners wishing to enjoy their exotic beauty in house, greenhouse or garden. However, there is a body of enthusiasts who have an inborn competitiveness. Showing fuchsias encourages excellence in cultivation, which is no bad thing, and much of what is written here can help to improve fuchsias in home and garden as well. 

                               FINDING OUT ABOUT SHOWING

Before entering into the show world it is important to find out at first hand what is involved, not just in the cultivation of the plants, but also the results that are expected. An indication of the standards to be reached can be more quickly and readily appreciated by a visit to a specialist show. 

To find out exactly what a judge looks for, consider being a steward for a day (there are special courses available). Many stewards ask judges if they will give reasons for their decisions, and in a close finish for an award it may be just a small factor like a dirty pot or label that will tip the balance. The top of the pot may be covered with moss or algae, or perhaps have one or two lingering dead leaves or flowers on it – presentation is so very important. All such points will be freely imparted by most judges, giving a real insight into the show world. 

The Annual Show is the shop window of any local fuchsia society. Speakers have encouraged members to improve their techniques during the winter months, and show day is when their advice is put to the test. It is tremendous fun being involved with the Annual Show, especially as an exhibitor. Even when the greenhouse looks full of plants that are too far gone or not quite ready, take a chance and exhibit – it is much more satisfying being a participant than a spectator. If your plants are not ready on the day, those of many fellow members are likely to be similarly placed. So, in fact, any well-grown plant should have a chance of a card. Remember, too, that a plant always looks better when properly staged on a show bench rather than when growing in a greenhouse.

                                    A GUIDE TO DRESSING

1. Make sure that all plants are free from pests and diseases.
2. Remove all spotted, yellow or discoloured leaves.
3. Remove any marked or faded blossoms.
4. Remove seed pods or berries, except on species and those referred to as species types.
5. Make sure that pots are clean and not cracked, chipped or split (use new pots).
6. Scrape stale compost and debris from the pot surface. Replace with fresh compost.
7. Adjust any branches that are out of place. Tie them in discreetly with green twine and stake carefully if necessary.
8. Lift out any blooms and buds that are hidden by foliage.
9. Water well on the morning of the show, wetting only the compost, never the flowers or foliage.
10. Provide a new, clear, well-written label. 

                                  A GUIDE TO STAGING 

1. Check that entries are correct: single-flowered plants in single classes, semi-double in single or multi-pot classes, double-flowered plants in double classes.
2. Check that labeling is complete and correct.
3. Tease out any leaves or blossoms that have become misplaced on the journey.
4. Remove any fading leaves and blossoms.
5. Move each plant around until its best side is facing the judges.
6. In classes for multiple entries, raise the rear plants up slightly by placing an upturned saucer under them. Never balance plants upon an upturned plant pot; this is too precarious.
7. When an odd plant in multiple entries is smaller than the rest, place it at the front of the exhibit. Those behind do not then require raising at all.
8. Do not water plants before judging takes place. It does not endear the judge to your exhibit if he or she gets soaked when examining a plant, and if you use a saucer this often sticks to the pot and can cause damage when it drops off, as well as splashing water everywhere to the general detriment of the exhibit. (When the show is longer than a single day, saucers are usually placed beneath each plant by a member of the show committee to permit watering).
9. When you think that you have finished staging your exhibits, look around at the competition. Will your plants compete satisfactorily? If not, is there anything else that you can do by way of presentation to ensure that they do? 

Extract from ‘The Fuchsia Book’ by Allan Waddington & Philip Swindells. 

                                          SATURDAY – SHOW DAY

         Morning

• Staging recommences at 7.15a.m till 10.15a.m and continues in earnest with the Treasurer in situ to accept entries from 7.45a.m.
• Show Manager (Mick Leighton), his Assistant (Keith Cocking) & Stewards will be on hand to offer advice and guidance.
• Stewards this year are: June Lemon-Smith; Lyndon Clements & Pete Harvey
• To help you on the day, complete the entry form prior to staging, that way you will know which exhibits belong to which class.
• Exhibitors need to go to Treasurer/Show Secretary (Derek Shaw) to register exhibits and for those who have not exhibited before, Derek or any steward will explain procedure.

           Meanwhile…. In the Kitchen

• Jenny, Pat & Ruth will be busy preparing the salads etc, not just for us but for the public, cutlery and plates will be spotless.
• Salads are prepared for the Judges, Stewards, President, Vice President & helpers etc. (pre-ordered so let Jenny know now!)
• Tables and chairs will need to be arranged outside, with tablecloths, sugar bowls etc.

        Meanwhile… On the Plant Tombola

• Staging to be erected.A proportion of the bought plants will be set aside for both days.
• Raffle tickets need to be put on the pots and then duplicates plus additional ones folded up and put in the bucket.

        Meanwhile… On the Plant Stall

• The remaining plants are arranged on the tables, usually by cultivar and whether they are hardy, upright, trailing etc.

         Meanwhile… On the Tombola

• All prizes arrive and are displayed on the table – tickets will already have been attached and duplicates folded up in readiness prior to opening.

          Meanwhile… On the Cake Stall

• Cakes donated by our members start appearing and are priced up.

        Meanwhile… On the Demonstration Table

• Compost, grit and fuchsias at different stages of growth are put on display in readiness so that our enthusiasts can offer advice to the public.

        Meanwhile… Miscellaneous tasks

• Floats are distributed to the stallholders (actually, if the stallholders could obtain the float from the Treasurer/Show Secretary (Derek) that would be better).
• Staging is erected to display Cups and Trophies.
• Banners are erected on Stage and on the Gazebo outside.
• Signs are erected outside to help bring in the crowds – this is usually done whilst judging is taking place.
• Ensure Entrance table is equipped with monitoring forms, pens, details of speakers and flyers.
• Ensure copy of timetable is given to everyone, if not distributed sooner.
• Relevant signage is erected to ensure that the public are aware of the various stalls as well as the exhibits.
• All stallholders need to be in position to welcome the public when the doors open at 1.30p.m.
• Helpers who have ordered salads need to make sure that they have eaten and are ready to man stalls in readiness for our show being open to the public. 

  PLEASE NOTE:

• All exhibits must be registered and on the show bench by 10.15a.m. Saturday
• Everyone except the Treasurer/Show Secretary, Judges and Stewards need to leave the hall once judging commences at 10.30a.m prompt. 

I am sure that I have missed innumerable tasks and for that, I apologise, but hopefully, if you have not been involved before, this has helped in some way.

                                              FUNDRAISING 

Bob has found another way to raise funds for the society. If you have any unwanted CD’s or DVD’s he can put them together in one package and send to either Musicmagpie or Zapper to raise funds. If you have any, please pass to me at any meeting and I will pass on to Bob. 

Bob would also like to ask for any used stamps you may have (GB and/or overseas), he sends these to the RSPB for one of their appeals (Save the Albatross). Thank you! 

                                       EASY FUNDRAISING 

The easiest way for all internet users to help raise funds for our Society is simply by every time you search the Web you use easysearch. Easysearch combines results from Yahoo!, Windows MSN Live Search and Ask.com in one simple search, the address is http://nottsfuchsia.easysearch.org.uk  Please try it and encourage others too. Don’t forget if you make any purchases on the internet, to go through our webshop to make sure we receive commission from the retailers (currently over 2000 well known retailers), the address is http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/nottsfuchsia .